Pilgrims Always
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At core, we Unitarian Universalists are wonderers and wanderers; pilgrim seems to capture the balance of focused aim and fluid adventure so integral to Unitarian Universalism.
Here’s my version of the pilgrim’s progress: some seven characteristics of this way of being religious.
Pilgrims Wander Alone and Accompanied
It’s essential to a healthy spiritual life to maintain equilibrium between the two poles of existence, moving agilely back and forth between being apart and sharing kinship. Pilgrims travel alone and in company with others.
Pilgrims Amble Purposefully
Religious life is holy when it’s purposeful. The soles of our feet must advance in service of the souls of our beings. As pilgrims we keep traveling toward our ultimate human destination: namely, serving goodness and beauty while healing the earth.
Pilgrims are Visionaries
Visionaries enable others to perceive and embody hope. We yank brothers and sisters out of ruts, spurring one another beyond mediocrity, exhorting cohorts toward noble destinations. Pilgrims live not on the brink, but rather in the very midst of life’s mysteries and harmonies, summoning others to join us there. Yes, we’ll fall short, but we stay on the road.
Pilgrims Report a Strenuous Journey
Remember that the word travel is etymologically related to the word travail. Genuine religion has nothing to do with a pain-free, undemanding entrance into enlightenment. The way of pilgrims on an exodus is a life-long quest, replete with harsh stretches of body and soul, a trek not for the fainthearted.
Pilgrims Are Marked by Passionate Equanimity
As pilgrims we travel with zestfulness rather than nonchalance. Deep sentiments such as sorrow, love, and joy are outgrowths of a fervent soul.
Passion fuels our compassion.
Pilgrims Travel Leanly and Lightheartedly
True pilgrims travel with a light spirit and few belongings. They embrace living, then give themselves over to dying.
Pilgrims Roam as Trustful Agnostics
Ultimately I’m not sure of my destination; I remain trustfully agnostic. I keep plodding, I keep my eyes on the prize, and I harbor enough faith, hope and love in my soul to stay on my chosen course.
For you and I are pilgrims on a sacred journey.
- Pilgrims Always - November 1, 2015
- Pledging Our Troth - October 1, 2012
- Hands - May 1, 2012
